Geneva Freeman Key

Mrs. Geneva Freeman Key

Born July 3, 1928, Geneva was the 8th child and 3rd daughter of Vance and RosaBell Jones Freeman. Most people knew her as Gee or GeeGee. Geneva was a native of Surry County. She grew up on a farm. She married the love of her life the late James O. Key on November 1, 1944. She helped provide for their family by working in the local textile industry the majority of her life. She was a seamstress trainer at Renfro Hosiery for 37 years. She enjoyed being on the lake, boating, sunbathing, picnics, yard sales, collecting depression glass, singing in the church choir, the Red Hatters, beach trips, weekend adventures, and crafting with family and friends, however, she was also content doing all these things with just her and James. She was very talented. Many years she would bake and decorate birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cater receptions, and on occasions directed weddings. Many times with her best friend Dorothy Mitchell, they would collaborate their talents and ideas to create masterpieces. Many years she made Christmas ornaments out of almost anything from satin balls, pearls, beads, pins, ribbons, pipe cleaners, to toilet paper rolls. Her Christmas tree was featured once in the Mount Airy News. The tree was loaded with all of her creations. People, from everywhere, would come each year to see her trees and the decorations in her house that were so eloquently arranged in every room. Each room had it’s own tree that ranged from a grapevine tree, a Charlie Brown tree, a rose tree, a doll tree, a tree with only ornaments with each family members picture, and the main tree in the living room. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. She always thought Santa represented the gift of giving. Geneva would have James dress as Santa Claus and she would dress as Mrs. Claus. They would visit many of the elders in the community on Christmas Eve delivering joy and a few treats. Bringing joy to others were their specialty. With only a 9th grade education, she was so full of knowledge and wisdom. She read over 200 books this past year and a half. She has read the entire Bible multiple times. Family and friends reached out to her for advice and guidance. She could light any room up with her smile and quick wit. Being a devout Christian, she lived her life for the Lord. She witnessed to people until her last breath. She had a unique way in making each one feel special. And for this she was deeply loved. Geneva’s greatest joy was her family. She was blessed with a wonderful husband of 69 years, two children; a daughter Linda (Mose) Cockerham and a son Craig Key, five grandchildren; Jami (Teddy) Guynn, Amy Jones, Seth (Jenny Alyn) Key, Hannah Keywright, and Savanna (Chris) Badgett, eight great grandchildren; Natalee and Carlee Jones, Gracie And Riggans Key, Paytin Key, Bladon and Ranson Wright, and Saige Badgett, two sisters; Margie Cockerham and Nettie Frances (Clayton) Childress, and two special nieces; Catherine Transoue and Christine Freeman. Preceded in death by her parents Vance and RosaBell Freeman, her husband James Key, and son Craig Key, five brothers Paul Freeman, Hugh Freeman, Lonzo Freeman, James Freeman, and Bob Freeman, two sisters Dorothy Childress and Mary Draughn. Visitation will be Friday, September 2, 2022 from 2:00-3:00 PM at New Hope Baptist Church. A Celebration of her life will begin at 3:00 PM in the church with Rev. Trent Lyons officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Moody-Davis Funeral Service is serving the Key family.

Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com